MAIN Health Alternative Aromatherapy Black Pepper

Black pepper grows as a vine that can climb up to 20 feet. Hailing from southwest India originally, black pepper can be found growing in many different tropical areas.

Europe and America grow it as well but use imported peppercorns, which are the dried red berries that the vine produces. Those peppercorns are crushed, then steam distilled and a pale green oil is produced that has a warm and spicy yet sweet and woodsy fragrance. Its Latin name is Piper nigrum and it is a member of the Piperaceae family.

Black pepper oil has been used by Ayurvedic and Chinese doctors to treat malaria and cholera and other digestive problems. In ancient times, It was a staple in an Indian monk's diet for endurance and energy.

Today, its used widely as a spice for cooking but there are many more practical uses. For athletes, black pepper oil massaged into the muscles before and after exercising can help relieve stiffness or soreness. Arthritis sufferers can benefit from black pepper oil, too. If rubbed onto the afflicted areas, it can stimulate the circulation and relieve some of the discomfort.

Stomach cramps, diarrhea, or nausea can all be relieved with the help of black pepper oil. It can also increase appetite and fight infections. If you are anemic, it may help you because it increases red blood cell production in the spleen.

Because it stimulates circulation and improves muscle tone some women use black pepper oil to diminish the appearance of celluite. It can be irritating to the skin if not diluted, however, which is why many cosmetic companies do not use it for skin care purposes.

Looking for a natural stress reliever? Emotionally, black pepper oil is good for encouraging feelings of bravery. During times of great change black pepper oil has a very settling and stabilizing effect.

More about black pepper oil around the Web:

Black pepper- Wikipedia

How Stuff Works - Black pepper

Organic Facts - Health Benefits of Black Pepper

Essential Oil Recipes - Black Pepper

Related Chiff.com Feature Articles:

This information is intended as reference and not as medical advice.
All treatment decisions should be made by medical professionals.